Buncrana Court: Derry man found wandering in middle of road was in possession of cocaine

A Derry man who was found wandering in the middle of an Inishowen road was found to be in possession of cocaine.

Daniel Mullan, 50, of 103 Elaghmore Park admitted possession of the drug at Tievebane, Burnfoot on March 18 last.

Buncrana District Court heard that gardaí observed Mullan in an intoxicated state, in the middle of the road in Burnfoot at night while wearing dark clothing. Sgt Sean McDaid said Mullan was brought to Buncrana garda station for his own safety. While there, he was found to be in possession of €280 of cocaine.

Solicitor Frank Dorrian said Mullan, who is single, in full-time employment and has no previous convictions, disputed the amount of cocaine he had in his possession, saying it was worth €100. 

Mr Dorrian said cocaine did not play a large role in his client’s life.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said she was noting the disparity in the value of the drug between the State and Mullan. She applied the Probation of Offenders Act and ordered Mullan to pay €200 to St Vincent de Paul in Buncrana. The case was struck out after the donation was paid.